The National Association of Broadcasters has welcomed the reintroduction of the AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act in the U.S. Senate. The bipartisan legislation, which previously received broad support in the 118th Congress, aims to protect AM radio’s role in public safety and ensure its continued availability in vehicles in the United States.
AM radio has long been a key source of emergency information, delivering real-time updates when other communication channels fail. During recent wildfires in Los Angeles and hurricanes in the southeast, AM radio provided evacuation orders, emergency alerts and recovery updates. Its extensive reach ensures critical information reaches rural and remote areas where cellular networks and internet access may be unreliable.
“NAB is deeply grateful to Chairman Cruz and Sen. Markey, along with their bipartisan cosponsors, for reintroducing legislation to ensure that AM radio remains readily accessible in all vehicles,” said NAB President and CEO Curtis LeGeyt. “Time and again, AM radio has proven itself as an irreplaceable resource in emergencies, keeping families safe and communities informed when every second counts. Further, its diversity of programming and reach remains unique among all audio media. We urge Congress to move quickly to pass this important legislation and ensure Americans continue to benefit from this free, life-saving service.”
Beyond emergency alerts, AM radio reaches 82 million Americans monthly, providing hyper-local news, weather and cultural programming. Over 125 organizations, including the National Emergency Management Association, American Farm Bureau Federation, AARP, Native Public Media and the National Association of Black Owned Broadcasters, have endorsed the bill, highlighting AM radio’s public safety role and its importance to communities nationwide.
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